Plurality of integrally interconnected wipes for use in dispenser

ABSTRACT

A plurality of integrally interconnected wipes collectively define a web. The plurality of wipes includes a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe. A first transverse intermittent cut line defines a right side major tie that connects the first wipe to the second wipe, and the right side major tie has a width. A second transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side major tie that connects the second wipe to the third wipe. In particular embodiments, the first wipe and the second wipe are connected to each other only within the right side of the web, and the second wipe and the third wipe are connected to each other only within the left side of the web. In certain embodiment, the wipes are also connected to each via minor ties that are transversely narrower than the major ties.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/565,927, filed on Oct.12, 2017, which is a national-phase entry, under 35 U.S.C. § 371, of PCTPatent Application No. PCT/US15/57173, filed on Oct. 23, 2015, whichclaims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/154,961, filed onApr. 30, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a variety of storing and dispensing containers in the marketfor wipes. Wipes have been made from a variety of materials which can bedry or wet when used. Wet wipes can be moistened with a variety ofsuitable wiping solutions. Typically, wet wipes have been stacked in acontainer in either a folded or unfolded configuration. For example,containers of wet wipes have been available wherein each of the wetwipes stacked in the container has been arranged in a foldedconfiguration such as a c-folded, z-folded or quarter-foldedconfiguration as are well known to those skilled in the art. Sometimeseach folded wet wipe is interfolded with the wet wipes immediately aboveand below it in the stack of wipes. In an alternative configuration, thewet wipes have been placed in a container in the form of a continuousweb of material that includes perforations adapted to allow forseparation of individual wet wipes from the web upon the application ofa pulling force. Such wet wipes have been used for baby wipes, handwipes, personal care wipes, household cleaning wipes, industrial wipesand the like.

Conventional packages of wipes have typically been designed to bepositioned on a flat surface such as a countertop, table or the like.Such conventional packages have often included a plastic container, tubor package which provides a sealed environment for the wet wipes toensure that they do not become dirty or overly dry. Some of theconventional packages have also been configured to provide“one-at-a-time” dispensing of each wet wipe which can be accomplishedusing a single hand after the package has been opened. Suchsingle-handed, one-at-a-time dispensing is particularly desirablebecause the other hand of the user or care giver is typically requiredto be simultaneously used for other functions. For example, whenchanging a diaper product on an infant, the care giver typically usesone hand to hold and maintain the infant in a desired position while theother hand is used to dispense a baby wipe to clean the infant.

“Pop-up” configurations of wet wipe dispensers can advantageously helpprovide the aforementioned single-handed, “one-at-a-time” dispensing. In“pop-up” configurations, when a wipe is removed from the dispenser, thewipe pulls along the leading end of the succeeding wipe in the package,by virtue of the succeeding wipe being in operative contact with theleading wipe such as via interfolding, via adhesive bonding, or via anintegral connection along a line of weakness. Preferably, as the leadingwipe is pulled out of and away from the package, the trailing end of theleading wipe breaks free from the leading end of the succeeding wipe,and the leading end of the succeeding wipe is left protruding from thepackage. In this way, the leading end of the succeeding wipe isimmediately and automatically positioned for grasping and subsequentwithdrawal from the package, and what was previously the succeeding wipenow becomes the leading wipe.

Historically, two malfunctions can occur during the operation justdescribed. In one scenario, as the leading wipe is withdrawn, theleading wipe may not properly release from the succeeding wipe, with theresult that the succeeding wipe is pulled too far or even entirely outof the package. A situation in which one or more succeeding wipes are ina single pull operation withdrawn from the package by virtue of being inoperative contact with the leading wipe is referred to herein as“multiples.” Multiples can result from excessively strong orgeometrically ineffective connections between successive wipes (e.g.,too much adhesive or insufficient web perforations), or can result froma dispensing orifice that does not sufficiently hold in place thesucceeding wipe to allow the leading wipe to break free (e.g., too largeof a dispensing orifice).

In another scenario, as the leading wipe is withdrawn, the succeedingwipe, after breaking free from the leading wipe, may not be readilyaccessible for subsequent dispensing. For example, although the leadingend of the succeeding wipe may momentarily protrude from the package asit follows the leading wipe during withdrawal of the leading wipe, theleading end of the succeeding wipe often subsequently falls back throughthe dispensing orifice into the dispensing container—herein referred toas a “fallback.” Fallbacks can result from insufficiently strong orgeometrically ineffective connections between successive wipes (e.g.,not enough adhesive or an excessively weak line of weakness), or canresult from a dispensing orifice that does not sufficiently hold theleading edge of the succeeding wipe in an outwardly protruding manner(e.g., too large of a dispensing orifice). Occasionally, the succeedingwipe may entirely fail to exit the package as the leading wipe iswithdrawn, such as when the connection between the leading wipe and thesucceeding breaks prematurely (i.e.; before the leading wipe is fullywithdrawn).

As a result, what is lacking in the art is a stack of wipes connected toone another in a manner that provides improved “pop-up” dispensing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, the invention provides a plurality of integrallyinterconnected wipes that collectively define a web. The web has a rightedge, a left edge, a longitudinal direction extending parallel to theright and left edges, a transverse direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centerline extending in thelongitudinal direction and positioned midway between the right and leftedges. The web defines a right side transversely between the centerlineand the right edge and defines a left side transversely between thecenterline and the left edge. The plurality of wipes includes at least afirst wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe. A first transverseintermittent cut line defines a right side major tie and a left sideminor tie. The right side major tie and the left side minor tie togetherconnect the first wipe to the second wipe. The right side major tie andthe left side minor tie each have a width extending in the transversedirection, and the width of the right side major tie is greater than thewidth of the left side minor tie. A second transverse intermittent cutline defines a left side major tie and a right side minor tie. The leftside major tie and the right side minor tie together connect the secondwipe to the third wipe. The left side major tie and the right side minortie each have a width extending in the transverse direction. The widthof the left side major tie is greater than the width of the right sideminor tie.

In a second embodiment, the invention provides a plurality of integrallyinterconnected wipes that collectively define a web. The web has a rightedge, a left edge, a longitudinal direction extending parallel to theright and left edges, a transverse direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centerline extending in thelongitudinal direction and positioned midway between the right and leftedges. The web defines a right side transversely between the centerlineand the right edge and defines a left side transversely between thecenterline and the left edge. The web includes a plurality of transverseintermittent cut lines. The cut lines are spaced apart from each otherin the longitudinal direction to define individual wipes. Each cut linedefines a major tie and a minor tie, and the major tie and the minor tieare on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline. The major tie andthe minor tie each have a width extending in the transverse direction,and the width of the major tie is greater than the width of the minortie. The major ties in longitudinally successive cut lines are onalternating right and left sides of the longitudinal centerline, suchthat a plurality of major ties are arranged on the web in a zig-zagpattern in the longitudinal direction.

In a third embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes ofthe first or second embodiment wherein each major tie is between about 2and 10 millimeters wide.

In a fourth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes ofthe first or second embodiment wherein each major tie is between about0.5 and 3 millimeters wide.

In a fifth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes ofany one of the first through fourth embodiments wherein each major tieis at least three times as wide as each minor tie.

In a sixth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes ofany one of the first through fifth embodiments wherein each major tieabuts a web edge.

In a seventh embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipesof any of the first through fifth embodiments wherein no major tie abutsa web edge.

In an eighth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipesof any of the first embodiment or third through seventh embodimentswherein the right side major tie is spaced from the right edge by atleast 2 millimeters, and wherein the left side major tie is spaced fromthe left edge by at least 2 millimeters.

In a ninth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes ofany of the first embodiment or third through eighth embodiments whereinthe first transverse intermittent cut line defines at least two leftside minor ties, and wherein the second transverse intermittent cut linedefines at least two right side minor ties.

In a tenth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes ofthe ninth embodiment wherein the first transverse intermittent cut linedefines at least three left side minor ties, and wherein the secondtransverse intermittent cut line defines at least three right side minorties.

In an eleventh embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipesof any of the first embodiment or third through tenth embodimentswherein the first transverse intermittent cut line defines a right sideminor tie, and wherein the second transverse intermittent cut linedefines a left side minor tie.

In a twelfth embodiment, the invention provides a dispenser containingthe plurality of wipes of any of the first through eleventh embodiments,the dispenser and plurality of wipes together adapted to provide pop-updispensing of wipes.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the invention provides a plurality ofintegrally interconnected wipes that collectively define a web. The webhas a right edge, a left edge, a longitudinal direction extendingparallel to the right and left edges, a transverse directionperpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a longitudinalcenterline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midwaybetween the right and left edges. The web defines a right sidetransversely between the centerline and the right edge and defines aleft side transversely between the centerline and the left edge. Theplurality of wipes includes a first wipe, a second wipe, and a thirdwipe. A first transverse intermittent cut line defines a right sidemajor tie that connects the first wipe to the second wipe, and the rightside major tie has a width extending in the transverse direction. Asecond transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side major tiethat connects the second wipe to the third wipe, and the left side majortie has a width extending in the transverse direction.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality ofwipes of the thirteenth embodiment wherein the first wipe and the secondwipe are connected to each other only within the right side of the web,and wherein the second wipe and the third wipe are connected to eachother only within the left side of the web.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and further featureswill become apparent when reference is made to the following detaileddescription of the invention and the accompanying drawings. The drawingsare merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of theclaims. Like parts of the items depicted in the drawings are referred toby the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 representatively shows a portion of a plurality of integrallyinterconnected wipes according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A representatively shows a close-up view of a portion of theembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B representatively shows an alternative embodiment of the portionshown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 representatively shows a perspective view of a stack of folded,integrally interconnected wipes, similar to those shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 representatively shows a cross-sectional view of the stack ofwipes illustrated in FIG. 3, taken along the line 4-4.

FIG. 5 representatively shows the plurality of integrally interconnectedwipes shown in FIG. 2B, elongated and with the minor ties torn.

FIG. 6 representatively shows a perspective view of an example of adispenser for wipes suitable for use in conjunction with particularembodiments of the present invention

FIG. 7 representatively shows a plurality of integrally interconnectedwipes according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 representatively shows a plurality of integrally interconnectedwipes according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 representatively shows a plurality of non-integrallyinterconnected wipes according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A representatively shows a front view of a stack of folded,interconnected wipes, such as those shown any of FIGS. 1-3 and 7-9.

FIG. 10B representatively shows a top view of a stack of folded,interconnected wipes, such as those shown in any of FIGS. 1-3 and 7-9.

FIG. 10C representatively shows a cross-sectional view of one embodimentof a stack of wipes as seen along line X-X in FIG. 10B, in whichwipe-to-wipe connections are on alternating sides of the stack.

FIG. 10D representatively shows a cross-sectional view of an alternativeembodiment of a stack of wipes as seen along line X-X in FIG. 10B, inwhich wipe-to-wipe connections are all on the same side of the stack.

FIG. 11 representatively shows a top view of a dispenser suitable foruse in conjunction with particular embodiments of the present invention,with a portion cut away to show the stack of wipes housed therein.

FIGS. 12A-12C representatively show three stages in one embodiment ofthe method aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be more fully understood and further featureswill become apparent when reference is made to the following detaileddescription of the invention and the accompanying drawings. The drawingsare merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of theclaims. Like parts of the packages depicted in the drawings are referredto by the same reference numerals.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a plurality 10 of integrally interconnectedwipes collectively define a web 12. The web has a right edge 14, a leftedge 16, a longitudinal direction 20 extending parallel to the rightedge 14 and the left edges 16, a transverse direction 22 perpendicularto the longitudinal direction 20, and a longitudinal centerline 21extending in the longitudinal direction 20 and positioned midway betweenthe right edge 14 and the left edge 16. The web defines a right side 15transversely between the centerline 21 and the right edge 14, and theweb defines a left side 17 transversely between the centerline 21 andthe left edge 16. As shown in the Figures, the plurality 10 of wipesincludes at least a first wipe 30, a second wipe 32, and a third wipe34.

In particular embodiments, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-3,a first transverse intermittent cut line 40 extends across the web 12.The first transverse intermittent cut line 40 partitions the web 12 intotwo longitudinally adjacent wipes—namely, the first wipe 30 and thesecond wipe 32. The first transverse intermittent cut line 40 defines aright side major tie 42, and in particular embodiments a left side minortie 44 a. The right side major tie 42 and the left side minor tie 44 atogether connect the first wipe 30 to the second wipe 32. The right sidemajor tie 42 has a width 43, and the left side minor tie 44 a has awidth 45. Both widths 43, 45 extend in the transverse direction 22. Thewidth 43 of the right side major tie 42 is greater than the width 45 ofthe left side minor tie 44 a.

In particular embodiments, a second transverse intermittent cut line 50extends across the web 12. The second transverse intermittent cut line50 partitions the web 12 into two longitudinally adjacent wipes—namely,the second wipe 32 and the third wipe 34. The second transverseintermittent cut line 50 defines a left side major tie 52, and inparticular embodiments a right side minor tie 54 a. The left side majortie 52 and the right side minor tie 54 a together connect the secondwipe 32 to the third wipe 34. The left side major tie 52 has a width 53,and the right side minor tie 54 a has width 55. Both widths 53, 55extend in the transverse direction 22. The width 53 of the left sidemajor tie 52 is greater than the width 55 of the right side minor tie 54a. Note that the cut lines 40, 50 may be straight, wavy, zig-zag, orotherwise non-straight. Also, the cut lines 40, 50 may travel a paththat is parallel to the transverse direction 22, or that is not parallelto the transverse direction 22, such as tilted relative to thetransverse direction 22.

In particular embodiments, such as that representatively illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2A, the right side major tie 42 is spaced from the rightedge 14 by at least 1 millimeter, more particularly at least 3millimeters, still more particularly at least 5 millimeters, and stillmore particularly at least 10 millimeters, and the left side major tie52 is spaced from the left edge 16 by at least 1 millimeter, moreparticularly at least 3 millimeters, still more particularly at least 5millimeters, and still more particularly at least 10 millimeters. Inother embodiments, such as that representatively illustrated in FIG. 2B,the right side major tie 42 abuts the right edge 14, and the left sidemajor tie 52 abuts the left edge 16.

In particular embodiments (FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B), the first transverseintermittent cut line 40 defines at least two left side minor ties 44 a,44 b, and the second transverse intermittent cut line 50 defines atleast two right side minor ties 54 a, 54 b. In particular embodiments(FIG. 2B), the first transverse intermittent cut line 40 defines atleast three left side minor ties 44 a, 44 b, 44 c, and the secondtransverse intermittent cut line 50 defines at least three right sideminor ties 54 a, 54 b, 54 c. In particular embodiments, the firsttransverse intermittent cut line 40 defines at least one right sideminor tie 44 d, and the second transverse intermittent cut line 50defines at least one left side minor tie 54 d.

In particular embodiments, the width 43/53 of each major tie 42/52 isbetween about 2 and 15 millimeters wide, and more particularly betweenabout 2 and 10 millimeters wide. In particular embodiments, the majortie is more than 3 millimeters wide, more particularly more than 4millimeters wide, still more particularly more than 5 millimeters wide,and still more particularly more than 8 millimeters wide. Additionallyor alternatively, in particular embodiments, the width 45/55 of eachminor tie 44/54 is between about 0.5 and 3 millimeters wide. Inparticular embodiments, the minor tie is less than 3 millimeters wide,more particularly less than 2 millimeters wide, and still moreparticularly less than 1 millimeter wide. In particular embodiments, thewidth 45/55 of each major tie 42/52 is at least three times greater thatthe width 45/55 as each minor tie 43/53.

In another aspect of the invention, a dispenser 11 contains theplurality 10 of integrally interconnected wipes described above. Thedispenser 11 and plurality 10 of wipes are together adapted to providepop-up dispensing of wipes. Examples of dispensers suitable for use inconjunction with particular embodiments of the present invention includethose described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,690 B1; U.S. Pat. App. Pub.2014/0174974 A1; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2014/0001072 A1; and U.S. Pat. App.Pub. 2014/0374432 A1, each of which is hereby incorporated by referenceto the extent not inconsistent herewith.

The dispenser 11 can include any suitable number of individual wipesdepending upon the dispenser size and intended end use. For example, thedispenser can be configured to include a stack of wipes which caninclude at least about 5 wipes and desirably from about 8 to about 320individually wipes, and more desirably from about 16 to about 64 wipes.The size and shape of the stack of wipes is dependent upon the size andshape of the dispenser and vice versa.

In particular embodiments, the plurality 10 of integrally interconnectedwipes are arranged in a stack 13, as representatively illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. The example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 employs anaccordion-like stack 13. The individual wipes can be connected togetherat transverse intermittent cut lines 40, 50 as described above. Thetransverse intermittent cut lines can be provided by means known tothose skilled in the art, such as perforations, indentations, or cuts inthe web of material. For example, the cut lines can be provided in theweb of material by passing the web of material between a die cutter rolland an anvil roll. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverseintermittent cut lines are position in the middle of the stack of foldwipes, which is advantageous when dispensing from dispensers withcentrally located dispensing orifices. In alternative embodiments (notshown), the intermittent cut lines can be positioned “off center,” or atthe edge of the stack.

The purpose, in particular embodiments, of the major ties describedabove is to deliver enhanced pop-up dispensing. The purpose of the minorties is to facilitate commercial manufacture of the wipes. Specifically,it is common for wipe products to be formed as very long, continuouswebs or sheets. Examples of suitable materials are described below.After the continuous sheet is formed, the sheet typically travelsthrough additional processing steps, including, for example, drying,calendaring, embossing, wrinkle removing, slitting, perforating, andwinding. During such additional processing steps, the continuous sheetgenerally is under both longitudinal and lateral tension. If adjacentwipes were integrally interconnected only by the major ties describedherein, consistent, reliable handling of the continuous sheet would becompromised, because the major ties alone would not provide sufficientstrength and integrity to the continuous sheets for commercial,high-speed, tensioned processing. Introduction of the minor ties asdescribed herein allows for more robust handling of the continuoussheets during the manufacturing. In this way, the major and minor tiestogether allow for the practical commercial manufacture of an optimizedpop-up dispensing experience.

Another way to articulate key features of particular embodiments of theinvention is as follows. The web 12 includes a plurality of transverseintermittent cut lines (e.g., 40, 50). The cut lines are spaced apartfrom each other in the longitudinal direction 20 to define individualwipes (e.g., 30/32/34). Each cut line (e.g., 40/50) defines a major tie(e.g., 42/52) and a minor tie (e.g., 44/54), and the major tie and theminor tie are on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline 21. Thewidth 43 of the major tie 42 is greater than the width 53 of the minortie. The major ties (e.g., 42/52) in longitudinally successivepluralities of cut lines (e.g., 40, 50) are on alternating right andleft sides (15, 17) of the longitudinal centerline 21. In this way, aplurality of major ties are arranged on the web 12 in a “zig-zag”pattern in the longitudinal direction, as representatively illustratedin FIG. 1.

The plurality 10 of wipes integrally interconnected as heretoforedescribed can in particular embodiments deliver an improved dispensingexperience. As the leading corner 62 of a wipe at the top of a stack 13,such as, referring to FIGS. 3-4, wipe 34, is pulled by the user, a chainof events begins. First, the one or more minor ties 52 are torn as thewipe 34 is pulled upward from the stack. As the one or more minor ties52 are torn, the wipe 34 begins to tilt to the side, or even assume adiamond shape, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. As thesucceeding wipe 32 begins to lift from the stack, in particularembodiments the stack 13 and/or dispenser 11 are configured to promote atearing of the major tie 42, thus fully releasing wipe 34 from the web12.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10D, the present invention includes in particularembodiments a plurality of stacked, interconnected wipes 10 thatcollectively define a stack 13. The stack 13 has a right end 114, a leftend 116, a transverse direction 122 extending between the right end 114and the left end 116, a longitudinal direction 120 perpendicular to thetransverse direction 122, and a longitudinal centerline 121 extending inthe longitudinal direction 120 and positioned midway between the rightend 114 and left end 116. The stack 13 defines a right side 115transversely between the longitudinal centerline 121 and the right end114 and defines a left side 117 transversely between the longitudinalcenterline 121 and the left end 116. In the exemplary embodiments shownin FIGS. 10A-10D, each of the wipes is folded in half in thelongitudinal direction 120. FIG. 10B shows a top view of the stack offolded wipes of FIG. 10A. The leading edge 29 of the wipe on the top ofthe stack 13 can be seen in FIG. 10B.

As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, 10C, and 10D, inparticular embodiments, each wipe is connected to at least one otherwipe on only one of the right side 115 and the left side 117 of thestack 13 via a connection. In particular embodiments, such as thosedepicted in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10C, immediately successive connections in astacked direction 119 are on alternating right and left sides 115, 117of the stack 13. In other embodiments, such as those depicted in FIGS. 8and 10D, immediately successive connections in a stacked direction 119are on the same side of the stack (e.g., the right side 115 as shown inFIG. 10D). FIG. 7 depicts several interconnected wipes from the stackshown in FIG. 10C, and FIG. 8 depicts several interconnected wipes fromthe stack shown in FIG. 10D, with the interconnected plurality in eachcase unfolded and fully extended to show various features.

For example, referring to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10C, in particularembodiments, a plurality of wipes 10 includes a first wipe 130, a secondwipe 132, and a third wipe 134. A right-side connection 142 connects thefirst wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 in the right side 115 of the stack13. The first wipe 130 is connected to the second wipe 132 only on theright side 115 of the stack 13. Also, a left-side connection 152connects the second wipe 132 to the third wipe 134 in the left side 117of the stack 13. The second wipe 132 being connected to the third wipe134 only on the left side 117 of the stack 13.

In another example, referring to FIGS. 8 and 10D, in particularembodiments, a plurality of wipes 10 includes a first wipe 130, a secondwipe 132, and a third wipe 134. A first right-side connection 142 aconnects the first wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 in the right side 115of the stack 13. The first wipe 130 is connected to the second wipe 132only on the right side 115 of the stack 13. Also, a second right-sideconnection 142 b connects the second wipe 132 to the third wipe 134 inthe right side 115 of the stack 13. The second wipe 132 is connected tothe third wipe 134 only on the right side 115 of the stack 13. FIG. 8depicts several interconnected wipes from a stack somewhat similar tothe one shown in FIG. 10D, with the interconnected plurality unfoldedand fully extended to show various features.

In particular embodiments, such as those representatively illustrated inFIGS. 7, 8, 10C, and 10D, a majority of wipe-to-wipe connections in thestack 13 of wipes are integrally formed with a wipe. For example, theconnections 142 and 152 can each include three bridging strips 192. Thebridging strips 192 a, 192 b, and 192 c collectively define theright-side connection 142, and the bridging strips 192 d, 192 e, and 192f collectively define the left-side connection 152. The number ofbridging strips can be varied depending on the dispensing mechanicsnecessitated by the specific configuration and construction of thewipes—and in particular embodiments, the dispenser—involved. Inparticular embodiments, each connection 142, 152 includes from 2 to 10and more particularly from 3 to 8 bridging strips. Preferably, inparticular embodiments, each bridging strip is from 1 to 5 millimetersin transverse with, and more preferably each bridging strip is from 1.5to 3 millimeters in transverse width. In other embodiments, nowipe-to-wipe connection in the stack is integrally formed with a wipe.For example, referring to FIG. 9, the connections 142 and 152 areaccomplished via energy bonding. Example of suitable energy bondingincluded ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, or pressure bonding. Thebonding could also be accomplished via a bonding material, such asadhesive.

The stack has a width 113 measured in the transverse direction 122. Theright-side connection 142 has an effective width 143 extending in thetransverse direction 122, and the left-side connection 152 has aneffective width 153 extending in the transverse direction 122. The“effective width” is the distance in the transverse direction betweenthe two furthest-apart points of connectivity that connect immediatelysuccessive wipes in a stack within a single side 115, 117 of the stack13. Thus, in no case can the effective width of a connection be greaterthan half of the stack transverse width 113. Preferably, the effectivewidth of a connection is considerably less than half of the stacktransverse width. For example, in particular embodiments, referring toFIGS. 7 and 9, the right-side connection effective width 143 and theleft-side connection effective width 153 are each at most 10 percent ofa stack transverse width 113. In another example, referring to FIG. 8,the first right-side connection effective width 143 a and the secondright-side connection effective width 143 b are each at most 10 percentof a stack transverse width 113.

In particular embodiments, an entirety of each right-side connection 142in the stack 13 is closer to the stack right end 114 than to thelongitudinal centerline 121 of the stack 13, and an entirety of eachleft-side connection 152 in the stack 13 is closer to the stack left end116 than to the longitudinal centerline 121 of the stack 13, asrepresentatively illustrates in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10C. In otherembodiments, an entirety of each connection in the stack 13 is closer toa single stack end—such as, for example, the stack right end 114—than tothe longitudinal centerline 121 of the stack, as representativelyillustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10D.

In particular embodiments, a dispenser 11 contains the plurality ofinterconnected wipes 10. The dispenser 11 and plurality of wipes 10 aretogether adapted to provide pop-up dispensing of the wipes. Thedispenser 11 defines a dispensing orifice 111, through which wipes canbe extracted from the dispenser 11. In particular embodiments, thedispensing orifice 111 is centered in the transverse direction, as inthe examples of FIGS. 6 and 12. In other examples, the dispensingorifice 111 is transversely offset from the longitudinal centerline 121of the stack of wipes 13 contained therein by at least 25 percent of thestack transverse width 113, as representatively illustrated in theexample of FIG. 11 in which the orifice 111 is offset toward the leftend 116 of the stack 13. Of course, the orifice 111 could alternativelybe offset toward the right end 114 of the stack 13 (which could inparticular embodiments be advantageous for use in conjunction with astack of wipes in which all wipe-to-wipe connections were on the rightside 115 of the stack, such as the stack 13 representatively illustratedin FIG. 10D).

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of dispensingwipes. The method includes providing a stack of wipes 13, asrepresentatively illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D. The stack 13 has a firstend (such as a right end 114), a second end (such as a left end 116), atransverse direction extending between the first end 114 and the secondend 116, a longitudinal direction 120 perpendicular to the transversedirection 122, and a longitudinal centerline 121 extending in thelongitudinal direction 120 and positioned midway between the first end114 and second end 116. The stack defines a first side (such as rightside 115) transversely between the longitudinal centerline 121 and thefirst end 114 and defines a second side (such as left side 117)transversely between the longitudinal centerline 121 and the second end116.

Each wipe in the stack 13 is generally rectangular in shape, and eachwipe defines four corners. For example, referring to FIG. 7, wipe 134defines corners 70 a/70 b/70 c/70 d, and wipe 132 defines corners 72a/72 b/72 c/72 d. In another example, referring to FIG. 8, wipe 134defines corners 80 a/80 b/80 c 870 d, and wipe 132 defines corners 82a/82 b/82 c/82 d. The method in particular embodiments further includesproviding a dispenser 11. The dispenser 11 has a dispensing orifice 101through which wipes can be extracted from the dispenser 11.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment outlined in FIGS. 12A-12C, themethod can further include grasping a presented corner 90 of a leadingwipe 234, and pulling the presented corner 90 of the leading wipe 234 towithdraw the leading wipe 234 out of the dispenser 11. As the leadingwipe 234 is withdrawn, the leading wipe 234 releases from a succeedingwipe 232 such that a presented corner 92 of the succeeding wipe 232protrudes from the dispensing orifice 101. No wipe corner other than thepresented corner protrudes from the dispensing orifice 101. “Presentedcorner” as used herein means the corner of the wipe that protrudes awayfrom the stack and through the dispensing orifice of the dispenser, sothat user may readily grasp it.

In particular embodiments, the presented corner 90 of the leading wipe234 and the presented corner 92 of the succeeding wipe 232 originatefrom opposite sides 115/117 of the stack 13. Preferably in suchembodiments, each wipe in the stack 13 is connected to at least oneother wipe on only one of the right side 115 and the left side 117 ofthe stack via a connection. In other words, each wipe in the stack isconnected to at least one other wipe on either the right side 115 of thestack 13 or the left side 117 of the stack 13, but not on both sides.Immediately successive connections 142, 152 in a stacked direction 119alternate from the right side 115 to the left side 117, as suggested bythe embodiments shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10C. Preferably, eachright-side connection 142 in the stack 13 is closer to the stack rightend 114 than to the longitudinal centerline 121 of the stack 13, andeach left-side connection 152 in the stack 13 is closer to the stackleft end 116 than to the longitudinal centerline 121 of the stack 13.

For example, referring to FIGS. 12A-12C and FIG. 7, in particularembodiments of the method, the presented corner 90 of the leading wipe234 corresponds to the corner 70 a of the third wipe 134 in FIG. 7, andthe presented corner 92 of the succeeding wipe 232 corresponds to thecorner 72 b of the second wipe 132 in FIG. 7. In such an embodiment, asthe presented corner 90 (corner 70 a) of the leading wipe 234 (wipe 134)is pulled and withdraw out of the dispenser 11, the leading wipe 234(wipe 134) releases from the succeeding wipe 232 (wipe 132) such that apresented corner 92 (corner 72 b) of the succeeding wipe 232 (wipe 132)protrudes from the dispensing orifice 101. The presented corner 90(corner 70 a) of the leading wipe 234 (wipe 134) and the presentedcorner 92 (corner 72 b) of the succeeding wipe 232 (corner 132)originate from opposite sides 115/117 of the stack 13. Specifically, thecorner 70 a originates from the right side 115 of the stack, and thecorner 72 b originates from the left side 117 of the stack. Note thatwhen corner 70 a is the presented corner, the three remaining corners(70 b, 70 c, 70 d) of wipe 134 remain inside the dispenser, such thatcorner 70 a, and only corner 70 a, is presented. Similarly, when corner72 b is the presented corner, the three remaining corners (72 a, 72 c,72 d) of wipe 132 remain inside the dispenser, such that corner 72 b,and only corner 72 b, is presented outside of the dispenser.

In other embodiments, the presented corner 90 of the leading wipe 232and the presented corner 92 of the succeeding wipe 232 each originatefrom the same side of the stack (such as from the right side 115, orfrom the left side 117). Preferably in such embodiments, each wipe inthe stack 13 is connected to at least one other wipe on only the firstside 115 of the stack via a connection. Immediately successiveconnections 143 a, 143 b in a stacked direction 119 are all on the firstside 115 of the stack, as suggested by the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8and 10D. Preferably, each connection 143 in the stack is closer to thestack first end 114 than to the longitudinal centerline 121 of the stack13.

For example, referring to FIGS. 12A-12C and FIG. 8, in particularembodiments of the method, the presented corner 90 of the leading wipe234 corresponds to the corner 80 a of the third wipe 134 in FIG. 8, andthe presented corner 92 of the succeeding wipe 232 corresponds to thecorner 82 a of the second wipe 132 in FIG. 8. In such an embodiment, asthe presented corner 90 (corner 80 a) of the leading wipe 234 (wipe 134)is pulled and withdraw out of the dispenser 11, the leading wipe 234(wipe 134) releases from the succeeding wipe 232 (wipe 132) such that apresented corner 92 (corner 82 a) of the succeeding wipe 232 (wipe 132)protrudes from the dispensing orifice 101. The presented corner 90(corner 80 a) of the leading wipe 234 (wipe 134) and the presentedcorner 92 (corner 82 a) of the succeeding wipe 232 (corner 132)originate from the same side of the stack 13. Specifically, the corner80 a originates from the right side 115 of the stack, and the corner 82a originates from the right side 115 of the stack. Note that when corner80 a is the presented corner, the three remaining corners (80 b, 80 c,80 d) of wipe 134 remain inside the dispenser, such that corner 80 a,and only corner 80 a, is presented. Similarly, when corner 82 a is thepresented corner, the three remaining corners (82 b, 82 c, 82 d) of wipe132 remain inside the dispenser, such that corner 82 a, and only corner82 a, is presented outside of the dispenser.

The structures and methods described above can in particular embodimentsdeliver a number of useful features. First, the mechanism of dispensingjust described can present a corner of the next wipe in the stack to theuser, which offers certain accessibility benefits in certainapplications. Second, due to the way the wipe tips to the side, or“deforms” into a general “diamond-like” shape, the variability indispensing force can be better controlled, making dispensing morereliable and predictable (such as by reducing the undesirable “fallbacks” or “multiples” described earlier). Third, the force required todispense a wipe is in particular embodiments of the present inventionlower than in many conventional configurations, which desirably allowsmore wipes to be dispensed from a dispenser before the dispenser (oftenmade of relatively light polymers) begins to lift off the surface onwhich it rests. Finally, the pop-up dispensing configuration describedherein reduces tearing of the wipes, due to the fact, it is believed,that vector forces are oriented “diagonally” from corner to corner, asopposed to purely in a machine direction or cross-machine direction (oneor both of which may be weaker than the “diagonal” direction).

Without wishing to limit the scope of the invention as claim, it istheorized that, in particular embodiments of the invention, rotation ofthe succeeding wipe of about 45 degrees (sheet 32 in FIGS. 5 and 6;sheet 232 in FIG. 12) causes the succeeding wipe 32/232 to bunch, and tohave a non-uniform profile in the direction of dispensing as it passesthrough the dispensing orifice. For the 45-degree rotated wipe 32/232,its thickest section (bunched in the diagonal direction of a roughlysquare sheet) encounters the dispensing orifice when the sheet 32 isabout half-dispensed, such that the resistance of the wipe to dispensingis greatest at this “half dispensed” point in time. This varying forceof resistance to dispensing helps retain the succeeding wipe 32 nearmid-dispense, thus helping to reduce fallbacks or multiples.

Materials suitable for the wipes of the present invention are well knownto those skilled in the art. Wipes, such as pre-moistened wipes, can bemade from, for example, meltblown, coform, air-laid, bonded-carded, orhydroentangled materials, high wet-strength tissue, or combinationsthereof, such as layered combinations thereof. The wipes can comprisesynthetic or natural fibers or combinations thereof. Wipes suitable foruse in conjunction with the present invention can contain a liquid whichcan be any solution that can be absorbed into the wipes, thus makingthem “wet wipes.” The liquid contained within the wet wipes can includeany suitable components which provide the desired wiping properties. Forexample, the components can include water, emollients, surfactants,preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers, fragrances, or combinationsthereof. The liquid can also contain lotions, ointments, and/ormedicaments. The amount of liquid contained within each wet wipe canvary depending upon the type of material being used to provide the wetwipe, the type of liquid being used, the type of container being used tostore the stack of wet wipes, and the desired end use of the wet wipe.Generally, each wet wipe can contain from about 150 to about 600 weightpercent and desirably from about 200 to about 400 weight percent liquidbased on the dry weight of the wipe for improved wiping. Examples ofwipe substrates suitable for use in conjunction with the presentinvention include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,508,102 A, 7,585,797 B2, and8,257,553 B2.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to thespecific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled inthe art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readilyconceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to theseaspects. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beassessed as that of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A plurality of integrally interconnected wipes thatcollectively define a web, the web having a right edge, a left edge, alongitudinal direction extending parallel to the right and left edges, atransverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and alongitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction andpositioned midway between the right and left edges, the web defining aright side transversely between the centerline and the right edge anddefining a left side transversely between the centerline and the leftedge, the plurality of wipes comprising a first wipe, a second wipe, anda third wipe, wherein a first transverse intermittent cut line defines afirst right side major tie disposed on the right side of the web,wherein the first right side major tie connects the first wipe to thesecond wipe, wherein the first right side major tie has a widthextending in the transverse direction, and wherein a second transverseintermittent cut line defines a second right side major tie disposed onthe right side of the web, wherein the second right side major tieconnects the second wipe to the third wipe, wherein the second rightside major tie has a width extending in the transverse direction,wherein the first wipe is connected to the second wipe only on the rightside of the web, and wherein the second wipe is connected to the thirdwipe only on the right side of the web.
 2. The plurality of integrallyinterconnected wipes of claim 1, wherein each of the first right sidemajor tie and the second right side major tie are between about 2 and 10millimeters wide.
 3. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes ofclaim 1, wherein the first right side major tie and the second rightside major tie abut the right edge.
 4. The plurality of integrallyinterconnected wipes of claim 1, wherein each of the first right sidemajor tie and the second right side major tie are spaced from the rightedge by at least 2 millimeters.
 5. The plurality of integrallyinterconnected wipes of claim 1, wherein the first right side major tieand the second right side major tie overlap in the transverse direction.6. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 5, whereinthe first right side major tie and the second right side major tie fullyoverlap in the longitudinal direction.
 7. A plurality of integrallyinterconnected wipes that collectively define a web, the web having aright edge, a left edge, a longitudinal direction extending parallel tothe right and left edges, a transverse direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centerline extending in thelongitudinal direction and positioned midway between the right and leftedges, the web defining a right side transversely between the centerlineand the right edge and defining a left side transversely between thecenterline and the left edge, the plurality of wipes comprising a firstwipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe, wherein a first transverseintermittent cut line defines a first right side major tie disposed onthe right side of the web and a first left side minor tie disposed onthe left side of the web, wherein the first right side major tie and thefirst left side minor tie connect the first wipe to the second wipe, thefirst right side major tie and the first left side minor tie each havinga width extending in the transverse direction where the first right sidemajor tie width being greater than the first left side minor tie width,and wherein a second transverse intermittent cut line defines a secondright side major tie disposed on the right side of the web and a secondleft side minor tie disposed on the left side of the web, wherein thesecond right side major tie and the second left side minor tie connectthe second wipe to the third wipe, the second right side major tie andthe second left side minor tie each having a width extending in thetransverse direction where the second right side major tie width beinggreater than the second left side minor tie width, wherein the firstwipe is unconnected to the second wipe between the first right sidemajor tie and the first left side minor tie, and wherein the second wipeis unconnected to the third wipe between the second right side major tieand the second left side minor tie.
 8. The plurality of integrallyinterconnected wipes of claim 7, wherein the first wipe is connected tothe second wipe only by the first right side major tie and the firstleft side minor tie, and wherein the second wipe is connected to thethird wipe only by the second right side major tie and the second leftside minor tie.
 9. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes ofclaim 7, wherein each major tie is between about 2 and 10 millimeterswide.
 10. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 7,wherein minor tie is between about 0.5 and 3 millimeters wide.
 11. Theplurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 7, whereinplurality of integrally interconnected wipes.
 12. The plurality ofintegrally interconnected wipes of claim 7, wherein each major tie abutsa web edge.
 13. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes ofclaim 7, wherein the first right side major tie and the second rightside major tie overlap in the transverse direction.
 14. The plurality ofintegrally interconnected wipes of claim 13, wherein the first rightside major tie and the second right side major tie fully overlap in thetransverse direction.
 15. The plurality of integrally interconnectedwipes of claim 13, wherein the first right side minor tie and the secondright side minor tie overlap in the transverse direction.
 16. Theplurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 15, wherein thefirst right side minor tie and the second right side minor tie fullyoverlap in the transverse direction.
 17. A dispenser containing aplurality of integrally connected wipes, the plurality of integrallyinterconnected wipes collectively defining a web having a right edge, aleft edge, a longitudinal direction extending parallel to the right andleft edges, a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection, and a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinaldirection and positioned midway between the right and left edges, theweb defining a right side transversely between the centerline and theright edge and defining a left side transversely between the centerlineand the left edge, the plurality of integrally connected wipes furthercomprising: a first wipe connected to a second wipe by a firsttransverse intermittent cut line; and a third wipe connected to thesecond wipe by a second transverse intermittent cut line, wherein thefirst transverse intermittent cut line defines a first connection havinga first width extending in the transverse direction of between 2 mm and10 mm, the first connection being disposed entirely on the right side orthe left side of the web connecting the first wipe to the second wipe,and wherein the second transverse intermittent cut line defines a secondconnection having a second width extending in the transverse directionof between 2 mm and 10 mm, the second connection being disposed entirelyon the right side or the left side of the web connecting the second wipeto the third wipe, wherein the first wipe is connected to the secondwipe only by the first connection, and wherein the second wipe isconnected to the third wipe only by the second connection, and whereinthe first wipe, the second wipe, and the third wipe are in a stackedconfiguration.
 18. The dispenser containing the plurality of integrallyconnected wipes of claim 17, wherein the first connection and the secondconnection each comprise a plurality of bridging strips.
 19. Thedispenser containing the plurality of integrally connected wipes ofclaim 17, wherein the first connection and the second connection aredisposed on a same right side or left side of the web.
 20. The dispensercontaining the plurality of integrally connected wipes of claim 17,wherein the first connection and the second connection are disposed onopposite sides of the web.